Barlow accepts Bruce wants Black at Wigan

There were certainly plenty of positives available to the former Manchester United defender as he looks to plot a successful escape from the relegation zone.

Caretaker-boss Frank Barlow, who could be replaced on the coaching staff by Birmingham's Eric Black, said: "It has been a difficult week for everybody, the players included. There has been a hesitancy about Steve's arrival.

"The performance today gives our supporters belief that we have passion for the shirt and we want to play.

"Steve can get a certain amount of encouragement from that. He has to build on that."

Barlow added: "You want to bring your own man and if Eric comes in then he comes. That is Steve's decision and won't lose my friendship from him."